Re: How do you take your docs, HTML or PDF?

John Russell <netnews5_at_johnrussell.mailshell.com> wrote in message news:<tiqa5v4u4pro4766lo5h81u1vqgfufng6c_at_4ax.com>...
> Noons wrote:
>
> >The manuals are much easier
> >to consult, particularly if you download the pdfs
> >and keep them on your desktop or notebook.
>
> I had a discussion the other day where it was asserted that HTML was
> all-around better for certain types of documentation, such as API
> reference doc. As an advocate of online documentation in general, I
> like HTML for some things and PDF for others. I'm curious how others
> feel on that subject.
>
> In particular, if you frequently use PDF:
>
> - Do you view it online (as I interpret Nuno to suggest) or print it
> out?

I view lots of it online, every day. I print out the few things that I might need to read offline, such as an involved description of application software, or procedure checklists.

>
> - If you print it out, is there some limitation of having it on the
> computer that makes it necessary to have a hardcopy? (E.g. easier to
> jot notes, don't always have a computer handy, limited screen size.)

All of the above.

>
> And if you frequently use HTML:
>
> - Do you favour certain types of information, such as API reference,
> for looking up online?

I prefer all information in HTML format, with the possible exception of usenet (which I would read in character cell given the chance).

>
> I remember hearing a while back that the cryptic PDF names might be a
> problem. Someone using the doc CD can pick from a list of books and
> open the PDF. (There's an HTML-format page and a PDF-format page,
> both linking to all the PDF files.) Do people often use just a couple
> of PDFs without having the complete doc CD? I wonder if having some
> sort of file-renamer would be handy.

I don't have a problem renaming, except it sometimes can be difficult to relate back to what I got from OTN or whereever.

But I must say, I REALLY HATE PDF viewers. They can't resize properly, and they don't know how to use anti-aliasing to make the fonts right. It blows out my eyeballs after a couple of hours. Even exploder (er, without java or pdf plugins) is better than that.

If it was up to me, html for everything, free wideband cell hookups for everyone.

jg

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